Provo held its annual Pioneer Day Extravaganza in North Park yesterday.
The event attracted thousands of visitors, including university students and families in the community, and exceeded planner's expectations. Festivities began at 10 a.m. and officially concluded at 2 p.m., though several vendors and entertainers continued to celebrate well in to the afternoon.
Provo's Parks and Recreation Department's mission statement for the event was, 'to provide a fun, safe environment to educate and give Provo City a glimpse into its own history.'
Participants came to the extravaganza to take part in many or all of the activities that were offered. These ranged from a variety of games and food, crafts, an antique car show, a Native American village, a pioneer village, a pioneer costume contest, farmer's market and a live band.
Chelsea Jackson, a 21 year-old BYU student from Utah, said, 'I came because it's an extravaganza. I love country music, pizza and having a great time.'
The event was sponsored and made possible by dozens of companies that gave financial support and supplies. Dozens of volunteers were also on hand to work the event and celebrate the pioneer spirit.
Stephen Millet, a 24-year-old accounting student attending the University of Utah made the trip down to Provo to volunteer for the extravaganza.
Millet said, 'I heard this was the best-kept secret in Utah County, so I wanted to check it out, and I loved it.'